New Westminster bans sale of shark fins

The City of New Westminster has banned the sale or trade of shark fins by local businesses.

In a unanimous vote on December 10, city council decided to adopt a bylaw prohibiting the controversial practice.

A motion about the bylaw presented to council describes the sale and trade of shark fins to be “noxious and offensive business activities”.

The motion says the goal of the ban is “protecting and enhancing the wellbeing of the City of New Westminster”.

Those who contravene the ban could face a fine of up to $10,000.

“We believe that it’s a very, very cruel form of harvesting a product just for the simple use of the animal’s fin and it deserves to be addressed locally,” Coun. Chuck Puchmayr told the Straight by phone today (December 11).